On Wednesday I had the distinct pleasure of joining 100 middle school students at Digital Harbor High School as they learned about careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The event was hosted by Baltimore native and Chairman and CEO of IBM, Samuel J. Palmisano. He and volunteers from IBM spoke to the young people about the knowledge base needed to perform at a high level with constantly adapting technology in the years ahead.

I am grateful that Mr. Palmisano and IBM are making an example of good corporate citizenship-showing others how to mobilize their workforce as volunteers to give back to schools, communities, and government. In this difficult economy, we know that human capital is the most valuable currency, and the hard work and commitment of volunteers can have a tremendous impact on our schools and neighborhoods.

Since January 2011, 200,000 IBMers, retirees, and their families have donated more than 2 million hours of service to communities worldwide in more than 170 countries where IBMers live and conduct business. More than half of IBM's workforce is participating in skills-based volunteering in communities today. IBM employees have given 13 million hours of volunteer service since 2003.

The importance of providing a first-class education and building STEM skills in our students is critical in developing a highly-skilled workforce and placing Baltimore in a position to take on the challenges of innovation in the 21st century. IBM understands this and is leading the way. That is why I am proud to call IBM our partner in making Baltimore a better, safer, and stronger city.